ENUGU—THE Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN),
South East Zone, Monday,
faulted the decision by the
Federal Government to
celebrate the nation’s
centenary at a time when the
nation virtually lacks peace.
The religious body said it
would be meaningless to
celebrate the 100 years of
Nigeria’s existence when the
nation is being confronted
with numerous security
challenges.
Chairman of the association
in the zone and Anglican
Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt.
Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma,
who made this known while
briefing newsmen in Enugu,
described the proposed
centenary celebration as an
avenue for corruption,
advising President Goodluck
Jonathan to beware of
sycophants who may wish to
use the opportunity to enrich
themselves.
He stated that it would not
be right for Nigeria to
celebrate her amalgamation
without the citizens coming
together to discuss issues
affecting them, lamenting
that lack of unity among
Nigerians had continued to
impede the nation’s
progress.
“Nigeria is not one, we are
divided, if staying together
will not work, then let the
East, North, West go their
separate ways, the proposed
centenary celebration is ill
timed and it will not work,”
the South East CAN leader
said.
Chukwuma also expressed
dissatisfaction over the
calibre of people who were
recently appointed as
chairmen and members of
governing councils of some
federal establishments
including universities.
He said that some of
appointees had expired and
therefore have nothing to
offer to Nigerians, stressing
that such appointments
should not be based on
political patronage but on
the track records and ability
of the appointees to
perform.
The cleric warned that
recycling of old politicians in
Nigeria would negate the
transformation of the
country and increase social
vices.
He noted that a situation
whereby youths who were
told 30 years ago that they
would be leaders of
tomorrow were still
searching for their
tomorrow because of
recycling of old politicians
was not good for the future
of Nigeria.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/04/can-kicks-against-celebration-of-nigerias-centenary-in-crisis-time/